Scrumptious subs and soups at Hildy's

Scott Hildebeidel and his family bring their personal touch to their new eatery.

Scott Hildebeidel and his family bring their personal touch to their new eatery.

Valley Shopping Scene

Stay warm with hot soups at Hildy's

As the days (and nights) get colder, few dishes satisfy like a hot bowl of soup.

Whether you prefer vegetable medleys such as broccoli cheddar or meaty concoctions like Italian wedding, Hildy's in South Whitehall Township has a rotating selection that is sure to keep you cozy and content.

The business, which debuted Oct. 27 at 21 S. 38th St., previously operated out of the Allentown Farmers Market. The old spot proved a good fit for nearly two years, but husband and wife co-owners Scott and Beth Hildebeidel, of Lower Macungie Township, saw an opportunity for growth.

"We wanted to stretch our legs," Scott explained. "And we saw this location as the perfect place, mostly due to all of the neighboring businesses, including OAA and St. Luke's. We also wanted to accommodate more party trays, which account for about 50 percent of our business."

Soup staples such as split pea and ham, chicken noodle and Manhattan clam chowder are just the beginning of Hildy's menu, which also features a wide variety of subs, salads, sandwiches and wraps.

Scott Hildebeidel and his family bring their personal touch to their new eatery. (HARRY FISHER / THE MORNING CALL)

All ingredients are prepared fresh daily, including the rolls and bread, which come from bakeries in Atlantic City and King of Prussia, respectively.

Popular sub selections include the Il Italiano, featuring capicolla ham, salami and provolone cheese; and the Beauty 'n the Beef, featuring roast beef and provolone.

Subs, $6.50-$16, are available in three sizes: mini, half and whole. All are made with oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and oregano; and most come with lettuce, tomato and onions.

Sandwiches and wraps, $6.75, include chicken Caesar, corned beef, egg salad, tuna salad and turkey, among others. Special requests can usually be accommodated.

Hildy's, serving only Dietz & Watson meats, occupies the former Cetronia Deli space, which was vacant for a couple of years, Scott said. Renovations include new lighting, wall paint, a drop ceiling and awning.

The business is a family affair with the Hildebeidels' two children, 25-year-old Sarah and 21-year-old Tyler, both pitching in to help.

Several selections, including Scotty's BLT and the T-Dog (Berks hot dog with ketchup, mustard, relish and onions), are named after family members while the business' name itself is an ode to a moniker that Scott and the kids adopted while playing sports.

"We are really excited to bring this place back to life," Scott said. "It has an old-fashioned feel — a touch of Mayberry, if you will. And we truly love meeting every new customer that walks through the door."

Hildy's, which features indoor booths and an outdoor picnic table, is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours likely will be added in December. Info: 610-398-3878.

Many Retail Watchers, including Geri Spaulding, have inquired about the status of Teppan Hibachi Steak House, next to Foo Joy, in the Dorneyville Shopping Center on Hamilton Boulevard.

A message on the restaurant's answering machine indicates the eatery is closed for remodeling and will reopen as Teppan of Tokyo on Nov. 19.

According to Teppan's Facebook page, the 10,000-square-foot restaurant will feature tapas and a sushi bar, as well as 17 hibachi grills with eight seasoned hibachi chefs and two sushi chefs.

A sign in the restaurant's window indicates hiring is underway and interested applicants should call 610-841-4799.

If dishes like eggplant parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo are more your taste, Jonny's Pizzeria Restaurant opened Sept. 9 at 2013 Willow Park Road in Bethlehem Township, the former space of Fratelli Pizzeria & Cafe.

Owner Jonny Daher and his culinary team prepare a wide variety of Italian staples, including lasagna, manicotti, spaghetti and Stromboli. Medium (14-inch) and large (16-inch) pizzas are available, along with Sicilian.

The 30-seat, BYOB restaurant also serves American favorites such as burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as Mediterranean cuisine such as taboulli and grape leaves. Catering and private parties are available. Info: 610-419-2176.

Another Italian restaurant, Dacarani Family Italian Restaurant Pizzeria, recently opened at 1053 Grape St. in Whitehall Township, the former space of The HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Cafe.

The 32-seat restaurant serves a wide variety of pizza and other Italian specialties.

As my colleagues Anthony Salamone and Dan Sheehan reported Thursday, the company that owns the Bottom Dollar Food discount grocery chain is selling and closing the 66 stores — including nine in the Lehigh Valley — just four years after introducing the brand.

The Delhaize Group, which employs about 2,200 people at Bottom Dollar stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio, is selling the locations and lease liabilities to another discount grocer, Aldi Inc., for about $15 million.

Bottom Dollar's first Lehigh Valley store opened in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, in November 2010.

"At this time, Bottom Dollar Food anticipates all stores will remain open until year-end," Delhaize said in a news release Wednesday. "After that time, Bottom Dollar Food will close the stores and retire the banner's operations."

Delhaize, a Belgian company, said it will no longer operate in the discount segment of food retail in the United States and instead will focus on its core operations in the traditional supermarket segment.

The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2015.

Thanks to Retail Watcher Joshua Daly of Hellertown, I learned that Living Things Quality Pets and Supplies on Route 873 in Schnecksville will be opening Nov. 24 in its new location at Route 309 and Shankweiler Road in Orefield, the former space of DelPrete's Pharmacy.

The 23-year-old business, which will remain open at its current spot until Nov. 23, specializes in high-quality pet foods such as Fromm, Innova, Evo and Natural Balance.

It also sells a large variety of pet toys, treats and accessories, as well as pets themselves, including cats, birds, bunnies, gerbils, hamsters, fish and snakes. Info: 610-224-4656.

Some happenings from Emmaus include the closing of Mixie's Yogurt Cafe at 10 S. Fourth St. and Borough Council's recent approval of Funk Brewing Co.'s request to add a brew pub and tasting room to its beer brewing and bottling operation at 19 S. Sixth St.

Funk, which began making beer last winter, had previously been selling beer for off-premises consumption only and offering walk-in customers a complimentary tasting.

Owner Kyle Funk says once he irons out some issues with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the brew pub should be open for business. Info: 610-421-8270 or funkbrewing.com.

Women in search of a beautiful dress for the holidays should take note of a liquidation sale (cash only) happening at Nights at California Gold in Allentown.

More than 3,000 pieces, including top designer dresses and one-of-a-kind items, are being sold between $50 and $100 (five-dress maximum). Shoppers are advised to call in advance for hours. Info: 856-906-2921.

For Retail Watchers looking to maintain or repair their car, a new auto shop held a grand opening Oct. 4 at 102 S. Second St. in Coplay.

Daniel Reph, a mechanic with more than 25 years' experience, specializes in diagnostics. Info: 610-261-0777 or rephscar.com.

I'll finish with news on two convenience stores — the recently opened 7th Street Mini Mart at 754 Seventh St. in Allentown and the soon-to-be-open Freedom Convenience Store and Money Services at 3360 Airport Road in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

The Allentown shop, across from Ricolo Restaurant, sells a wide variety of drinks, snacks, cereal, cleaning products and more.

Freedom, which will occupy the former Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant space, will also house a deli, according to a sign in the window. I'll keep you updated as I learn more details.

Retail Watch keeps track of new store, restaurant and bank development in the Lehigh Valley. Have a question about a retail construction project, store opening or chain you'd like to see come to the area? Contact reporter Ryan Kneller at 610-820-6597 or retailwatch@mcall.com. Retail Watch appears every Sunday.